Thousands Of Patient Records Stolen

February 18, 2010

Cardiology Consultants reported Wednesday that a computer used to process ultrasound images was stolen from one of its Pensacola offices last month.

The computer was stolen December 19, and the group said they become aware of the theft on December 21 and and immediately began a thorough investigation with authorities. However, as of Wednesday, no arrests have been made and the computer has not been recovered.

The computer did not contain patient financial information or Social Security Numbers. However, the stolen computer did contain the first and last names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, exam dates and in some cases, the reason for the ultrasound. This information was not encrypted, but the computer does require a special key to access the data,” said Andrew Radoszewski, Cardiology Consultants administrator in a prepared release.

“In addition, because of the proprietary configuration of the computer, it is unlikely that the computer’s information can be accessed by the average user. It is also unlikely that the limited nature of the information could expose patients to any harm.”

Cardiology Consultants is notifying approximately 8,000 patients potentially affected by the breach by mail.

“The privacy of our patient’s is a top priority,” said Radoszewski. “The management and staff of Cardiology Consultants regret this incident occurred and we are taking steps to ensure it is not repeated. These steps include a security review and enhancements to building access control systems.”

Cardiology Consultants is urging patients to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Web site at the link below to obtain valuable information on precautions they may consider taking at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/index.html.

Patients are encouraged to call (800) 452-2067 with questions or concerns.

Comments

4 Responses to “Thousands Of Patient Records Stolen”

  1. none of your business on February 19th, 2010 9:01 am

    I guess you all don’t see the significance of this.

    In that computer is your AGE, ADDY. HEALTH PROBLEMS, and
    A LIST OF ALL THE MEDS YOU TAKE.

    If a druggie wants an EASY target of an OLD OR CRIPPLED person with the drugs they like, like pain meds, muscle relaxers, and so on.
    Well you get the idea!

    YOUR THE TARGET!

  2. Mr. Rodgers on February 18th, 2010 10:16 pm

    This team of Doctors was the ones who have cared for me over the last 8 years. I wonder what this means.
    Isn’t there some type of back-up on disk? Or will we just have to try and remember who, what, when, why and which one did the surgery. I’ve had three heart attacks and I sure hope they can find some type of back-up.
    ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE “FUNNY UNTIL IT’S YOU” THINGS.

  3. Angi on February 18th, 2010 8:47 am

    Hopefully this computer will be found soon, and the person/s who took it… why in the world would someone do this crazy mess? Whoever it is needs to do time for the crime…

  4. bill, big b little ill on February 18th, 2010 5:23 am

    Well…that’s just ducky…What could they hope for other than I.D. theft. I don’t know what the penalty is for I.D. theft, but it needs to be a very very strong one. Or maybe they just were very unhappy with the ultrasound, who the heck knows.